Device and method for interactive programming of a thermostat

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

00011. Field of the Invention

0002The present invention relates to a device and method for interactive programming of a thermostat, and more particularly, to a universally adaptable thermostat that verbally provides step by step instructions for the operating and/or programming of a programmable or non-programmable thermostat to manage temperature and time parameters in a heating and cooling system.

00032. Description of the Related Art

0004There are several programmable thermostats now available in the market. To operate these thermostats, a user may select a plurality of times within a day and assign a desired temperature to each time. The thermostat then controls a heating and/or cooling system according to the programmed times and temperatures. Programmable thermostats of the type described above are advantageous in that they permit the thermostat to control the heating and/or cooling operation within an environment that changes over the day in accordance with the user's particular schedule, thus saving energy costs.

0005However, programming such thermostats can be challenging when used by people, who are not very familiar with electronic appliances and with programming procedures/systems. The displays used are usually of the “static” type, with icons and segments, and therefore are not interactive with the user; moreover, conventional devices almost always require a large number of keys, each one specialized according to function. To reduce cost some devices may use fewer keys, but a reduced number of keys also introduces confusing key combinations to memorize. Therefore, even though they may not be completely lacking in general knowledge of programming electronic devices, users are often obliged to consult the related instruction booklet (which is not always completely understandable), and the potential of the programming device can almost never be entirely exploited. Also, the blind or visually impaired are totally excluded from using these energy saving devices.

0006Accordingly, there is a need for a programmable thermostat that is easily installed on any heating and/or air conditioning system and easily programmable by a user, both sighted or visually impaired, having no knowledge or experience in programming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0007According to one aspect the present invention relates to a programmable thermostat device communicatively connected to a heating/cooling system, the device comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0008">a microprocessor configured to send signals to and receive signals from the heating/cooling system upon a preset triggering event and/or commands by a user;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0009">a user interface comprising at least one triggering means that upon activation interacts with the microprocessor;</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0010">a voice storage means comprising pre-recorded audible signals or microprocessor generated audible signals associated with activation of triggering means, wherein the audible signals are responsively actuatable in the microprocessor;</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0011">an announcing means, wherein upon activation of a triggering means, the microcontroller causes an audible signal to be announced relative to the triggering means;</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0012">a display device for displaying output comprising at least one display parameter selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.</li></ul></li></ul>

0013In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a programmable thermostat device communicatively connected to a heating/cooling system adapted for visually impaired users, the device comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0014">a microprocessor configured to send signals to and receive signals from the heating/cooling system upon a preset triggering event and/or commands by a user;</li><li id="ul0004-0002" num="0015">a user interface comprising at least one triggering means that upon activation interacts with the microprocessor;</li><li id="ul0004-0003" num="0016">a voice storage means comprising pre-recorded audible signals or microprocessor generated audible signals associated with activation of triggering means, wherein the audible signals are responsively actuatable in the microprocessor;</li><li id="ul0004-0004" num="0017">an announcing means, wherein upon activation of a triggering means, the microcontroller causes an audible signal to be announced relative to the triggering means; and</li><li id="ul0004-0005" num="0018">an alerting means comprising a visual display device and/or a verbal announcing device to alert a user of current status of programmable time and temperature parameters, to alert a user of different choices within the time and temperature parameters and/or to alert a user of chosen parameters selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.</li></ul></li></ul>

0019In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a method for changing current programmed temperature/time parameters in a thermostat, comprising: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li id="ul0005-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0006" list-style="none"><li id="ul0006-0001" num="0020">activating a first triggering means to initiate programming of desired programmed temperature/time parameters;</li><li id="ul0006-0002" num="0021">responding to a pre-recorded or microprocessor generated audible message offering the option of audible instructions for programming guidance by activating a second triggering means to accept or reject the option of audible instructions;</li><li id="ul0006-0003" num="0022">activating a third triggering means to input desired programmed temperature/time parameters wherein modified parameters are visually displayed and/or verbally announced; and</li><li id="ul0006-0004" num="0023">activating a final triggering means to complete programming of desired programmed temperature/time parameters.</li></ul></li></ul>

0024In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a method of changing current ambient temperature parameters in a thermostat, comprising: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none"><li id="ul0007-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0008" list-style="none"><li id="ul0008-0001" num="0025">activating a first triggering means to initiate programming of desired ambient temperature parameters;</li><li id="ul0008-0002" num="0026">responding to a prerecorded audible message offering the option of audible instructions for programming the thermostat by activating a second triggering means thereby initiating audible instructions for programming;</li><li id="ul0008-0003" num="0027">activating a third triggering means according to audible instructions to input desired ambient temperature parameters wherein modified ambient temperature parameters are visually displayed and/or verbally announced; and</li><li id="ul0008-0004" num="0028">activating a final triggering means to complete programming of desired ambient parameters.</li></ul></li></ul>

0029Other aspects and features of the invention will be more fully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram showing the interconnection of the different components of an audible interactive thermostat according to the present invention.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a front view of the thermostat housing for one embodiment of the present invention.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a front view of the internal panel of the thermostat housing of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for programming of the thermostat according to the present invention.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows different wiring diagrams for single and double transformer heating/cooling systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

0035With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an audible interactive and programmable thermostat of the present invention is indicated by reference number <b>10</b>, wherein the programmable thermostat is a battery or system powered heating and cooling digital thermostat control device with a microprocessor that plays voice setup instructions and messages for easy and precise temperature management not only during the week but also provides for specific timing instruction for weekends. The thermostat of the present invention is schematically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and comprises a central processing unit <b>11</b> connected to inner memory <b>15</b> wherein preset programs of the thermostat are stored and memorized for activation by user. The processing unit is further communicatively connected to sensors <b>12</b> to receive input signals from the sensors to detect ambient temperature in the surrounding area of the thermostat so that the processing unit can send out signals to the heating/cooling system to regulate temperature conditions according to the temperature setpoint programmed into the memory of the processing unit. The processing unit is communicatively connected to a clock <b>13</b>. Further, the processing unit is able to receive and processes commands inputted by the user through the triggering means <b>14</b> that are stored in a non-volatile memory for further activation of the heating/cooling system <b>18</b>. Alerting means <b>17</b>, which can be a visual display panel and/or a verbal announcing means, in the illustrated embodiment is display panel that visually displays many features of the present invention including, but not limited to, the current status of heating/cooling system, ambient temperature of the area, mode of programming currently being executed by the central processing unit and/or time and day of the week. Further included in thermostat <b>10</b> is an audio system <b>16</b> that provides for audio instruction during the programming of the thermostat and can also notify the user of time and ambient temperatures that may be sensed in the heating/cooling system.

0036In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a unitary structure that comprises the components set forth above and may further include an alerting device that includes a verbal announcing device that may be separate or combined with the audio device <b>16</b> to provide alerting announcements and voice instructions for a visually impaired user. The present invention may include both a display device and the verbal announcing device thereby providing a programmable for hearing impaired or visually impaired users.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a preferred thermostat housing <b>21</b>, as a unitary structure according to the present invention comprising a front panel <b>20</b> of the present audible thermostat. The front panel includes a plurality of trigger means <b>14</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) that upon activation provide for programming the thermostat. The trigger means may include a “REPORT” button <b>24</b>, which upon activation the current indoor temperature and setpoint temperature are announced and/or visually shown on the display panel <b>36</b>. Additional messages can be displayed and/or announced, for example, reporting a low battery or a reminder for checking the filter in the heating/cooling system. Further shown on the front panel are “UP” and “DOWN,” buttons, <b>28</b> and <b>30</b> respectively, which upon activation can adjust any number setting up or down, such as adjusting temperatures and/or setting the clock. As these buttons are activated, the resulting activation can be verbally announced. It should be noted that all triggering means, such as the buttons and switches shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref> can be fabricated of a material that provides an acceptable surface and size for imprinting brail letters thereon.

0038Still further shown on the front panel are additional features that simplify the programming of the thermostat relating to the programming of temperature setpoints and providing an indication as to which particular temperature setpoint program is currently active. For instance, a 24 hour period may be divided into four separate time periods <b>32</b>, including “WAKE”, “DAY”, “EVE” and “SLEEP” and each time period can include preferred heating/cooling temperatures that are applied during a 24 hour period.

0039The digital display panel <b>36</b> provides a visual display of programming parameters and current status of the heating/cooling system. Preferably, a liquid crystal display (LCD) which when an electrical connection is made, circuitry that is well known in the art, causes the LCD to emit a signal responding to the button activated. The display panel may also include the respective days of the week, including “MO,” “TU,” “WE,” “TH,” “FR,” “SA” and “SU”. As shown on the display panel <b>36</b> the illustrated day of the week is Wednesday “WE.” In the visually impaired embodiment, all the displayed icons will also be associated with voice tags to alert the user of the day and time. The digital display panel further displays the indoor temperature and the temperature set point on the LCD display. The larger lower number is the indoor temperature and the smaller number (above) is the current setpoint. A user can check the indoor and setpoint temperatures by pressing the “REPORT” button <b>24</b> and the following message may be played: <ul id="ul0009" list-style="none"><li id="ul0009-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0010" list-style="none"><li id="ul0010-0001" num="0040">“The indoor temperature is (______) degrees.”</li><li id="ul0010-0002" num="0041">“The thermostat is set for (______) degrees.”</li></ul></li></ul>

0042The digital display panel further provides visual and/or verbal (if the verbal announcement device has been included and/or activated) indication of the time of day and the specific time period, that being, in the “AM” or “PM” time period. There is also included a visual display and/or an announcement that alerts the user as to whether the programming system is currently in the “ON” or “OFF” position and in which mode the system is currently running, that being “HEAT,” “COOL” and/or “FAN.” The digital display panel provides for alerting the homeowner or user regarding specific conditions that require attention, for example, a message can be displayed that warns the batteries are low in the thermostat or that the system has been running a predetermined length of time and the air filter may need to be inspected for changing or cleaning.

0043In another embodiment, the present invention may further comprises additional programming that provides voice tags for each of the different trigger means thereby providing an audible announcing system to audibly informed visually impaired user of any changes in the system, audibly instruct the user before each trigger step and audibly confirm completion of each command. Thus, this embodiment generates control signals in conjunction with audio signals thereby alerting user of current condition, choices for altering and programming the heat/cool system.

0044The front panel further includes, to accommodate the audio features of the present invention, an audio system comprising a speaker <b>38</b> mounted within the thermostat housing. A grid <b>40</b> in the thermostat housing protects the speaker, while providing substantial free space for sound to travel through the grid <b>40</b>. The speaker, having an adjustable volume, is preferably mounted so that it will project sound away from the thermostat housing into the area of the room. An amplifier drives the speaker as well known in the art. Pressing any of the trigger means initiates the applicable audio message through the speaker representative of the action of selected triggering means.

0045The audio system further comprises a voice chip to enunciate the desired action, current status of system or provide instructions of programming. An addressable voice chip is preferred so that the person assembling the device is able to record the necessary audible messages. The end user is then able, using the triggering means to output the messages applicable to selected triggering means. Verbal announcements can be stored in a conventional serial or parallel memory chips, or directly in the microprocessor. Alternatively, the microprocessor includes applicable algorithms that generate voice-like words in response to specific requests. Any commercially available voice chip or addressable voice chip that provides the above features may be used. Further, the audio system may comprise a microphone for recording capability coupled to the addressable voice circuit to allow the user to provide a message for later playback.

0046The front panel further includes a front panel door <b>34</b>, which springs open to show an interior panel <b>48</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, which provides additional triggering means for programming of the thermostat. Reset button <b>50</b>, resets the thermostat to the factory default program settings. For example, if any of the functions on the display panel <b>36</b> lock up or the display panel scrambles, the user can open the thermostat housing and then press “RESET” to restore default settings.

0047The “PROGRAM” panel <b>52</b> includes multiple buttons required for programming the thermostat. Specifically, the “ON/OFF” button <b>64</b> turns programming on and off; the “RUN” button <b>62</b> saves any changes made during the programming or when “OVERIDE” is displayed, turns it off and restores the originally programmed settings; the “WEEKEND” button <b>60</b> programs Saturday and Sunday time and temperature setpoints; “WEEKDAY” button <b>58</b> programs Monday through Friday time and temperature setpoints; the “YES” button <b>54</b> confirms requests and the “NO” button <b>56</b> cancels requests.

0048The “SET” button <b>66</b> adjusts the day and time settings. For example, the user presses the “DAY/TIME” button <b>66</b>, and the user will hear the audible announcement: <ul id="ul0011" list-style="none"><li id="ul0011-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0012" list-style="none"><li id="ul0012-0001" num="0049">“Do you want to change the Day or Time Settings? Press YES or NO,” <br /> and the user activates either button <b>54</b> and <b>56</b>, indicating “YES” or “NO” respectively. If the NO button is pressed, the day and time settings remain the same. If the “YES” button is activated, the user will likely hear: </li><li id="ul0012-0002" num="0050">“Would you like voice instructions? Press the YES or NO button.” <br /> If the “YES” button is pressed by the user, each programmed step will be announce to the user for providing guidance through the programming instruction. The thermostat of the present invention will wait for each step to be completed before proceeding to the next voice instruction. If the “NO” button is pressed, programming can be done without voice assistance and guidance is displayed on the display panel <b>36</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>). For example, the time will be displayed on the digital display panel <b>36</b>, and if no change is required the “RUN” button <b>62</b> is pressed. </li></ul></li></ul>

0051In the alternative to make changes to the time, the “UP” or “DOWN” buttons, <b>28</b> and <b>30</b> respectively, are pressed to set the hours and minutes. When the desired time is reached, the “RUN” button is activated. Next the DAY will be displayed on the display panel <b>36</b>, and if no change is required the user presses the “RUN” button. In the alternative if the day is changed, the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons are pressed until the desired day is shown on the display panel and then the user presses the “RUN” button. In the visually impaired embodiment, the user will hear each minute as the clock is set, then each hour, and finally each day of the week until the desired hour, minute or day is reached.

0052The internal panel <b>48</b> further comprises several additional trigger means that activate different modes of the heating/cooling system. For example, switch <b>68</b> can be moved to set the fan, connected to the heating/cooling system, to run continuously or switched to run only when the heating or cooling is operating. Switch <b>70</b> is moved to turn the heating/cooling system “OFF” or moving the switch into the “HEAT” position can activate the heating system. In the alternative, moving the switch into the “COOL” system can activate the cooling system.

0053When the user desires to program the thermostat of the present invention, the user opens the front panel door to show the internal panel <b>48</b> and activates the “ON/OFF” button <b>64</b> in the “PROGRAM” panel <b>52</b>. The digital display panel <b>36</b> will show PROG/ON and the following audio announcement will be heard: <ul id="ul0013" list-style="none"><li id="ul0013-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0014" list-style="none"><li id="ul0014-0001" num="0054">“Program is ON” <br /> When the PROG/ON is displayed and the user does not change the “WEEKEND” and “WEEKDAY” time and temperature setpoints, the thermostat of the present invention will “run automatically.” Run automatically means that the last entered program settings will be used. If the present thermostat has never been programmed, the factory default settings will automatically be used. Preferably the default settings are comparable to the EPA Energy Star Acceptable Setpoint Time and Temperature settings, such as shown below: </li></ul></li></ul>

0055<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="28pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="91pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="28pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>TIME</entry><entry>HEAT</entry><entry>COOL</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Wake Up Time: 6 AM</entry><entry>70° F.</entry><entry>78° F.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>21° C.</entry><entry>26° C.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Day Time: 8 AM</entry><entry>62° F.</entry><entry>85° F.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>17° C.</entry><entry>29° C.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Evening Time: 6 PM</entry><entry>70° F.</entry><entry>78° F.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>21° C.</entry><entry>26° C.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Sleep Time: 10 PM</entry><entry>62° F.</entry><entry>82° F.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>17° C.</entry><entry>28° C.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0056If the user decides to change the factory default settings (or any previous settings), programming can be efficiency completed by initially jotting down the desired weekday and weekend settings for easy reference during the programming. For example, an applicable table is shown below:

0057<tables id="TABLE-US-00002" num="00002"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="49pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="70pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Time</entry><entry>Heat ° F./C.</entry><entry>Cool ° F./C.</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="2"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="203pt" align="left" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>WEEKDAY</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Wake Up</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Evening</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Sleep</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>WEEKEND</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Wake Up</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Day</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Evening</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Sleep</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0058Initially, the mode of heating or cooling has to be inputted by moving switch <b>70</b> to HEAT to change the heat program or move the system switch to COOL to change the cool program. The system will remind the user, either visually or verbally, to turn the system to HEAT or COOL. If the switch is in the OFF position, OFF will be digitally displayed and/or audibly announced and the user will be unable to program the thermostat.

0059After the mode, heating or cooling, is selected, the “WEEKDAY” or “WEEKEND” button, <b>58</b> or <b>60</b> respectively, is activated. When the “WEEKDAY” button is activated, the user will hear a message such as the following: <ul id="ul0015" list-style="none"><li id="ul0015-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0016" list-style="none"><li id="ul0016-0001" num="0060">“Do you want to change the program? Press YES or NO.” <br /> If the “NO” button is pressed, the thermostat stays in the present status. If the user activates the “YES” button, the following message will be heard: </li><li id="ul0016-0002" num="0061">“Would you like voice instructions? Press YES or NO.”</li></ul></li></ul>

0062It should be noted that the programming can be completed without voice assistance, if the “NO” button is pressed. If the “YES” button is pressed, each programming step will be announced to the user. The audible interactive thermostat of the present invention will wait for the user to confirm each step by pressing the “RUN” button before proceeding with the next step. When all the steps have been completed the user will hear: <ul id="ul0017" list-style="none"><li id="ul0017-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0018" list-style="none"><li id="ul0018-0001" num="0063">“Program complete”</li></ul></li></ul>

0064The programming will initiate with Wake Up Time Programming. The system will announce the following message: <ul id="ul0019" list-style="none"><li id="ul0019-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0020" list-style="none"><li id="ul0020-0001" num="0065">“Press the UP or DOWN key to set the Wake Time, when finished, press RUN” <br /> If no change is required the user presses the “RUN” button. To make changes, the user presses the “UP” or “DOWN” button to set the Wake Up Time. In the visually impaired embodiment the time is announce every time the “UP” or “DOWN” button is pressed. When the desired Time is chosen, the user presses the “RUN” button. The Wake Up Temperature is changed the same as the Wake Up Time. The Day Time, Evening Time and Sleep Time programming is programmed in a similar fashion until the programming is complete. </li></ul></li></ul>

0066Other options of the present invention include choosing between using Fahrenheit and Celsius by pressing the “YES” and “NO” buttons together for about <b>3</b> seconds to switch the LCD display between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

0067Additionally, when the thermostat is in the programming mode, the temperature setpoints can be manually overridden by pressing “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to the desired temperature. “OVERRIDE” is displayed and the thermostat will remain in the manual temperature setpoint until either 1) the next program time change or 2) the “RUN” button is pressed.

0068The “RUN” button stores any program changes when pressed while the “PROG/ON” is displayed. If the “RUN” button is pressed while the “OVERRIDE” is displayed on the digital display panel <b>36</b>, the setpoint temperature returns to the programmed setting, which will be either the factory default settings or the latest programmed setting.

0069The thermostat further provides for a warning when the batteries are starting to run low. The digital display screen <b>36</b> will display “LO BAT” for approximately three (3) weeks before the batteries become dead. If the batteries become too low, the screen will go blank. A verbal “LOW BATTERY” message is appended to the “REPORT” message when the batteries are low. After pressing the “REPORT” button and hearing the “low battery” message, the “LOW BATTERY” icon on the display screen is removed.

0070A remote control device can further program the thermostat, so that a user can override the thermostat without physically contacting the thermostat housing. Any universal remote that emits a command signal, which is modulated (either frequency modulated or amplitude modulated) to be representative of the button that is pressed, may be used with the present invention, such as the remote device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,624, the contents hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The command signal is transmitted to the thermostat housing and received by a RF receiver <b>19</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) to effectuate the function of the activated button.

0071In a further embodiment, the thermostat can be also directly connected to a telephone line and programmed remotely through telephone transmission lines, using either voice frequency signal or frequency signals different from voice frequencies.

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a representative software routine incorporated into the computer system for the purpose of effectuating a task of programming, which is displayed in a simplified top-level block diagram. The time and temperature programming starts <b>110</b> by activating the PROG/ON button which proceeds to initialize various memories of the system. The program then proceeds to step <b>112</b> at which point the display panel <b>36</b> displays the current status of the system including information on the temperature, time, day of the week, current program settings. Alternatively, the system verbally announces the current status of the system. The program may proceed to request if the user wishes to change settings of the program <b>114</b>. If the user selects “NO” by activating the “NO” button <b>56</b>, then the previous settings remain the same. If the user selects “YES”, the program retrieves a messages requesting if the user wants voice instructions during the programming process <b>116</b>. If the user selects “YES”, the program awaits until the user selects and activates a specific trigger means <b>118</b> and the processing unit retrieves applicable instruction from memory to provide voice instructions to the user <b>120</b>. Upon inputting selected parameters by the user pressing the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons <b>122</b>, the processing unit stores the input in memory, sets the new settings for the chosen parameters, optionally announces the new settings, and waits for the user to complete the programming process by triggering the “RUN” button <b>124</b> to complete the process. The new parameter is then stored and/or displayed <b>112</b> on the display screen <b>36</b> and/or verbally announced. If the user decided not to use the voice instructions by pressing “NO”, the user selects a specific triggering means <b>126</b>, and inputs setting parameters by pressing the “UP/DOWN” keys <b>128</b> until the desired settings is reached. Upon completion the user selects the “RUN” button to complete the process <b>130</b>.

0073The present invention provides for several unique and advantageous programming features including, four separate time and temperature settings, 5/2 weekday/weekend programming, a 7 day individual programming feature, an override temperature feature which allows manual change of the temperature setpoint until the next program time or until the “RUN” button is pressed, holds both heating and cooling programs simultaneously, provides a button that announces a personalized message <b>22</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), a LCD display panel that displays both ambient temperatures and current setpoint temperatures, an announcing means that corresponds or replaces the visual display panel to provide the user with verbal current status and all updates in the system and providing for cycle adjustments in three different temperature spans.

0074Additionally, the present audible interactive thermostat will trigger the system “ON” or “OFF” to cycle through a set program only when the indoor temperature is above or below the temperature setpoint, whether the temperature setpoint is the factory default setting or specifically programmed by the user. The Cycle rate of the present thermostat can be adjusted by pressing the “UP” and “DOWN” button at the same time for approximately 5 seconds to force the temperature display on display panel <b>36</b> to flash and then C<b>1</b>, C<b>2</b> or C<b>3</b> will be displayed. To select the desired cycle rate the user presses the “UP” or “DOWN” button. The cycle rate settings include: Cycle <b>1</b> for minimum temperature range and efficiency, Cycle <b>2</b> to provide normal temperature range and efficiency and Cycle <b>3</b> for maximum range and efficiency. The “RUN” button is pressed to accept the new cycle settings. The temperature display range of the present thermostat is from about 40° to about 99° F. and the control range is from about 40° to about 99° F.

0075Advantageously, the present thermostat has the ability to be connected to most heating/cooling system and includes multiple terminals, in a range of from 4 to about 10 terminals, for providing adaptation to single or two-transformer systems thereby allowing for connection to several different types of heating/cooling systems, including but not limited to Heat/Cool units with a 5 wire two transformer, Heat only units with a 2 or 3 wire single transformer, Heat/Cool units with a 4 wire single transformer and heat pumps, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A</figref>, B, C and D.

0076Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, workers skilled in the art will appreciate that all of the various embodiments discussed herein may be employed with one or more of the other embodiments.